Eaton Corporation PLC (ETN)vsNorfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
ETN
Eaton Corporation PLC
$395.94
-5.42%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $162.16B
NSC
Norfolk Southern Corporation
$313.45
+2.04%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $69.07B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Eaton Corporation PLC generates 134% more annual revenue ($28.52B vs $12.19B). NSC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 14.0%. ETN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 3.02. NSC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 55/100 (C).
ETN
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
NSC
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit
16.8% revenue growth
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Earnings declined 9.4%
Moderate valuation
0.2% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ETN
The strongest argument for ETN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 16.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NSC
The strongest argument for NSC centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 32.3%.
Bear Case : ETN
The primary concerns for ETN are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.9x leaves little room for execution misses.
Bear Case : NSC
The primary concerns for NSC are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ETN profiles as a growth stock while NSC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
NSC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.29 — expect wider price swings.
ETN is growing revenue faster at 16.8% — sustainability is the question.
ETN generates stronger free cash flow (314M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NSC scores higher overall (55/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Eaton Corporation PLC
INDUSTRIALS · SPECIALTY INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY · USA
Eaton Corporation plc is an American Irish-domiciled multinational power management company with 2020 sales of 17.86 billion USD, founded in the United States with corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, and operational headquarters in Beachwood, Ohio.
Norfolk Southern Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I freight railroad in the United States, and is the current name of the former Southern Railway. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, the company operates 19,420 route miles (31,250 km) in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia, and has rights in Canada over the Albany to Montreal route of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and previously on CN from Buffalo to St. Thomas.
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